title: [Evaluation of a grant program for improving health and safety in small and medium companies in Andalusia (Spain)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a grant program for the development and support of occupational safety projects in small and medium companies (SMC) in Andalusia. The analysis includes data and results of the program between 2006 and 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed the program characteristics in terms of budget, proposals submitted and projects financed. The views of participating companies regarding the program were evaluated through a voluntary and anonymous postal survey. Occupational injury rates in 2006 and 2007 in a subgroup of companies that had obtained a grant in 2006 were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Public investment in the program (> 17 million euros) covered 44% of the investment in occupational health projects proposed by participating companies. Nearly 50% of the projects presented received grant funding. The survey was completed by 573 companies (24% of the submitted questionnaires). Among grantee companies, 89% considered the investment to have been effective and 87% considered that working conditions in the company had improved. Most of the companies (>90%) considered that lack of economic resources is an obstacle for prevention activities and that these kinds of public subsidies are necessary. Occupational injury rates decreased between 2006 and 2007 (incidence rate 0.93; 95%confidence interval, 0.78-1.11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The grant program was viewed positively by participating companies and was accompanied by a reduction of occupational injury rates among grantee companies. These programs should incorporate evaluation criteria and indicators in their design.
authors.affiliation: Dirección General de Seguridad y Salud Laboral, Avenida Hytasa, 14, planta 1, Sevilla, 41006, Spain. jesus.carrillo.castrillo@juntadeandalucia.es.
authors.forename: Jesús Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carrillo Castrillo
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Onieva Giménez
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ruiz Frutos
mesh_terms: D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012449:Safety; D058012:Small Business; D013030:Spain